Fireworks Galore: Best Seaside Spots to Celebrate the Fourth of July

Editor’s note: Article has been altered to include link to music-streaming-website Spotify’s playlist for Dana Point firework show.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — It just wouldn’t be a Fourth of July celebration without a firework show. Fortunately, beach cities up and down the coast of Southern California will have plenty of firework-centered events to choose from.

Boaters may have the option to watch these spectacular shows from their vessels, but if you are unaware of the safety standards, it may be a good idea to check in with local city staff members, harbormasters or marina managers to stay protected during the show.

Here’s a selection of viewing locations, times and safety zones for boaters (if applicable) that the whole family can take part in for the Independence Day festivities!

Info: The annual firework show will light up San Diego. Fox 5 (San Diego) and KTLA 5 (Los Angeles) will start their live programming at 8:00 p.m. The fireworks will also have a musical simulcast on The Mighty 1090 AM and Max FM 105.7.

Website: bigbayboom.com

San Diego: Maritime Museum of San Diego Independence Day festivities

Location: The Embarcadero

Time: 5-8:30 p.m.

Info: For those looking to just view the fireworks from a unique venue, a discounted fireworks viewing admission starts at 8:30 p.m. at a cost of $10 for adults and $8 for children. The schooner, Californian, will be offering a fireworks cruise for $85 a person and includes a full bar for those over 21 to purchase alcohol. If you would rather enjoy a picnic dinner aboard the steam ferry Berkeley, the dinner is $35 for adults and $18 for children 3-12 with seating for the fireworks. Pilot, a 1914 pilot boat, offers front-row viewing of San Diego Bay Fireworks Spectacular for $40 per person. There are many other splendid packages to choose from in addition to these highlighted cruises.

Website: bit.ly/2sYFjs5

Coronado: Independence Day Celebration

Location: Coronado Island

Time: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Info: Festivities start at 5 a.m. (preferably 4:30 a.m. for those who want to nab a good viewing spot) along Orange Ave. lining up for the annual parade. The 43rd Annual Independence Day 12K run-5K run/walk will be at Tidelands Park. “Art in the Park” will be on display at Spreckels Park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. followed by a concert in the park. The annual rough-water swim at Central Beach starts at 8:30 a.m. with check-in at 7:30 a.m. “America’s Heritage” Independence Day Parade is set for 10 a.m. along Orange Ave. Parachute and U.S. Coast Guard demonstrations are from 2 to 3 p.m. at Glorietta Bay. Fireworks shoot off from the barge over Glorietta Bay starting at 9 p.m. accompanied by music from KYXL 96.5 FM. Fireworks can be viewed from Stingray Point or the golf course.

Website: coronadotimes.com/4th

Mission Bay: SeaWorld Fireworks Spectacular Show

Location: SeaWorld San Diego

Time: 9:40 p.m.

Info: Show is approximately 6 minutes and included in admission to SeaWorld amusement park.

Website: seaworldparks.com

Ocean Beach: Fourth of July Celebration

Location: Ocean Beach

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Info: A fireworks display will blast off Ocean Beach Pier, giving patrons the opportunity to enjoy shops, restaurants, beach culture and other entertainment before the show. Free parking is available at Main Beach Parking Lot and Pier Parking Lot. Tune radio to KyXy 96.5 to hear the broadcast and firework soundtrack.

Website: bit.ly/1HUNzwu

Oceanside: Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade

Location: Oceanside Harbor

Time: 1-3 p.m.

Info: This event, in its 16th year, allows participants to decorate their dinghies in patriotic themes and parade them around the inner harbor. All are welcome to participate and judges will award trophies to the best-decorated dinghy. No entry fee is required and registration can be completed at Oceanside Yacht Club’s office before July 4.

Website: bit.ly/2kFd4Mc

Imperial Beach: Independence Day Fireworks

Location: Imperial Beach

Time: 9 p.m.

Info: Grab a blanket, picnic and your family and friends to enjoy this fantastic firework show. Tune into KyXy Radio 96.5 FM for a synced music set to the fireworks show. Enjoy music at Imperial Beach Pier Plaza following the fireworks. Donations can be made to support the firework show on the official website.

Info: A custom soundtrack can be heard on 91X, KFM-BFM 100.7, Magic 92.5, Z90.3 and AM 760. Parking costs $10 at USOTC campus or is free along Olympic Parkway and Lake Crest Drive. No alcohol, drones, dogs or skateboard allowed.

Website: bit.ly/2slTSsz

San Clemente: Fourth of July

Location: San Clemente Pier

Time: 9 p.m.

Info: The pier may be closed all day for the Fourth of July firework preparation, but patrons are welcome to come and enjoy a night of splendid fireworks.

Website: bit.ly/2tfxobv

Dana Point: Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza

Location: Doheny State Beach

Time: 8:45 p.m.

Info: All day from 6 a.m.-10 p.m., no fee will be charged to gain admission into the park, so get there early to enjoy a full day at the beach. Listen to the patriotic music accompanying the fireworks on the music-streaming website Spotify at spoti.fi/2KrZAhL. Alcoholic beverages and firecrackers are prohibited in the park.

Website: bit.ly/1o0ze3n

Laguna Beach: Fourth of July

Location: Monument Point at Heisler Park

Time: 9 p.m.

Info: Monument Point and the area of Heisler Park from Rock Bench at Myrtle Street to Rockpile Beach stairs at Jasmine Street will be closed to the public to prepare for the fireworks. While the free trolley will be available, limited service (9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.) will be available on this day.

Website: bit.ly/1R5ooNN

Newport Beach:Old Glory Boat Parade

Location: Starts at Collins Island and continues through the Newport Harbor

Time: 1-3:30 p.m.

Info: Boaters are invited to decorate their boats in pride and patriotism for the holiday celebrations. Registration is free. This year’s theme is “Valor – Through the Generations.” Activities planned for the day include a pancake breakfast from 7-11 a.m. (open to the public), a lunch buffet, rock and jazz music performances after the boat show and fireworks from 9-10 p.m.

Website: alyc.com/event-2697570

Newport Beach: Independence Day on the Back Bay

Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina

Time: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Info: Music, food trucks as well as a wine and beer garden begin at 3 p.m. Firework show begins at 9 p.m. On-water activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding and other watersports, will be available. All ages are welcome. General admission and beach access is free, but VIP seating costs $60 per person.

Website: bit.ly/2M61epY

Catalina Island: Avalon Fourth of July Celebration

Location: Avalon

Time: 1-9 p.m.

Info: The annual golf cart parade down Crescent Avenue begins at 1 p.m. At 4 p.m., the Avalon Bay Dinghy Parade starts. Fireworks shoot off over Avalon Harbor at 9 p.m. Several other activities, such as 4th of July at the Spa, July 4th BBQ Dinner and Cyclone Fireworks Harbor Cruise are available for purchase to enhance your celebrations.

Website: bit.ly/2lldHup

Huntington Beach: Pier Plaza Festival

Location: Huntington Beach Pier

Time: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Info: A parade consisting of bands, floats, celebrities and equestrians will be marching through downtown Huntington Beach. Firework show begins after dark.

Website: hb4thofjuly.org

Long Beach: All-American Fourth of July

Location: Queen Mary

Time: 2-10 p.m.

Info: Entertainment on this day includes music, games, arts and crafts, historical tours, patriotic 4-D movie and fireworks. Events include holiday celebration aboard the iconic and famed Queen Mary.

Website: bit.ly/2K7lRVi

Port of Los Angeles: Annual John Olguin July 4th Spectacular

Location: Cabrillo Beach, San Pedro

Time: Noon-10 p.m.

Info: A celebration consisting of music, activities, food trucks and fireworks on the sands of Cabrillo Beach.

Website: portoflosangeles.org

Redondo Beach: Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

Location: Seaside Lagoon

Time: 2-10 p.m.

Info: This event features food, arts & crafts, slides, patriotic music and fireworks. This year the event takes place on Sunday,July 1. Tickets will be sold on eventbrite.com for $25. Parking is $20.

Website: bit.ly/2M64d1E

Marina del Rey: Fourth of July Fireworks Show

Location: Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village

Time: 9 p.m.

Info: Firework show accompanied with music. Hornblower Cruises will be offering special fireworks-viewing cruises for a price.

Website: bit.ly/2skV4LS

Channel Islands Harbor: Fireworks by the Sea

Location: Channel Islands Harbor

Time: 9-10 p.m.

Info: Channel Island Harbor hosts an all-day 4th of July celebration including activities, entertainment, food, games, an artist’s market and more. The fireworks show takes place later that night. This event is free.

Website: bit.ly/2K7GnVJ

Santa Barbara: Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

Location: West Beach

Time: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Info: Life music, water-taxi rides, arts and crafts, fishing gear rentals, delicious food and more make this a wonderful celebration of July 4th. The firework show begins at 9 p.m. Shuttles and other transportation will be running all night.